{"id":118395,"date":"2024-12-12T11:32:08","date_gmt":"2024-12-12T16:32:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jumpcloud.com\/?p=118395"},"modified":"2024-12-12T11:32:11","modified_gmt":"2024-12-12T16:32:11","slug":"what-is-3-factor-authentication","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jumpcloud.com\/blog\/what-is-3-factor-authentication","title":{"rendered":"What Is 3-Factor Authentication?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Think about how many times you\u2019ve logged into a system using just a password<\/em>, and how easy it would be for someone to guess that password \u2014 or worse, steal it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While two-factor authentication (2FA) added a much-needed layer of security beyond just a password, it still leaves room for vulnerabilities. That\u2019s where three-factor authentication (3FA) steps in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3FA is changing the game for IT teams by taking security a step further. It combines three layers of identity verification to make unauthorized access almost impossible! \ud83d\ude0e<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read along to understand what 3FA is, how it works, and why it matters for SMEs like yours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understanding Authentication Factors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Authentication revolves around verifying that the person accessing a system is indeed<\/em> who they claim to be. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This verification relies on three primary factors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Knowledge factor (what you know):<\/strong> This includes passwords, PINs, or answers to security questions, where the user provides information that only they know. While this is the oldest form of authentication, it is also the<\/em> most vulnerable<\/em> to breaches.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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    1. Possession factor (what you have):<\/strong> This involves physical items such as a security key, authenticator app, or a TOTP<\/a> (time-based, one-time password) sent to a registered device. The idea is that the person trying to gain access has possession of something unique.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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      1. Inheritance factor (what you are): <\/strong>Biometric authentication<\/a> like facial recognition, fingerprints, or iris scans fall under this category. These methods leverage physical characteristics that are unique to the individual and difficult to replicate.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        3FA leverages all three factors<\/a> simultaneously to verify identity, making it exponentially harder for cybercriminals to bypass security protocols. \u270c\ufe0f<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        What Is 3-Factor Authentication?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        As 3FA combines all three factors \u2014 knowledge, possession, and inheritance, it creates the<\/em> most secure<\/em> form of authentication available today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        While 2FA relies on just two of these factors (often knowledge and possession), 3FA adds another layer of assurance by requiring the user to authenticate with their unique biometric data as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        For instance, when accessing a corporate system, a user might need to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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        1. Enter their password (knowledge factor).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        2. Verify their identity with a security key or authenticator app (possession factor).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        3. Complete the process with facial recognition or a fingerprint scan (inheritance factor).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          This additional layer ensures that even if two factors are compromised \u2014 say, someone steals your password and security key \u2014 they still can\u2019t gain access without your biometric information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Benefits of 3-Factor Authentication<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          With cybersecurity threats constantly evolving, SMEs often lack the robust security measures of larger organizations, making them prime targets for hackers. This is why 3FA is worth considering \ud83d\udc47<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Stronger Security<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          By requiring three independent layers of verification, 3FA makes it incredibly hard for attackers to breach your systems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Even if a hacker gets hold of a password and a stolen security key, they\u2019ll still need biometric data, which is much harder to fake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Regulatory Compliance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          Many industries have strict data protection regulations, like GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI DSS. Implementing 3FA can help SMEs meet these requirements and avoid hefty fines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Increased Trust<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          Whether it\u2019s your employees, customers, or partners, people want to know that their data is safe. Using 3FA demonstrates a commitment to security, boosting confidence in your organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Future-Proofing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          3FA positions your business as ready for the next wave of cybersecurity challenges, reducing potential liabilities! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Let\u2019s now look at how 3FA actually works and its best use cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          How 3FA Works in Real Life<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          Paint a picture of an IT manager logging into their system containing sensitive customer data. The 3FA process typically looks like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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          1. The manager types in their password.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          2. They plug in their security key or open their authenticator app to generate a one-time code.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          3. They finish the login process by scanning their fingerprint or using facial recognition.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

            Each step<\/a> verifies a different aspect of their identity, creating a nearly foolproof barrier against unauthorized access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            3FA is especially effective in scenarios where the stakes are high, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n